Rally Freestyle Elements (RFE) Frequently Asked Questions About Musical Freestyle (MF) and Rally-FrEe (RF)
This document covers some of the questions we're frequently asked. It's organized by category, but if you don't find the information you're looking for, feel free to post a question on our Facebook page, in our Facebook discussion group, on our Instagram @rallyfree4all, or email us at info@rallyfree.com.
GETTING STARTED
How/where do I begin?
A good place to start is the Rules on the website. The Musical freestyle rules are found here and the RF rules can be found here.
You'll find information on the Etiquette and Decorum, Exhibitor Information and Requirements of RFE Musical Freestyle, Skills Tests and Rally-FrEe.
Watching the video playlists on our YouTube channel will help familiarize you with the look and feel of RFE. There are videos demonstrating most of the Rally-FrEe signs and examples of qualifying MF routines and RF runs. Then you should be ready to start training the Novice signs for RF. You can print a full set of signs from the website or download the Rally-FrEe app for your phone.
Are there classes where I can learn?
We have several RF Certified Instructors and Musical Freestyle teachers that offer in person and online classes all over the world. Check the website for a list of Instructors.
ENTERING AN EVENT
Do I have to be a member before I can enter an event?
Although RFE doesn't require you to become a member before entering events, joining does get you discounts on entry fees and many other privileges including:
- Special Pricing on RFE sponsored workshops
- Discounts on retail products
- Access to training articles
- Sample Rally-FrEe courses to use for practice
- Online access to your titling records
- Only RFE members may host events
It's easy to join and costs just $20/year.
What do I have to do before I can enter an event? (We call competitions "events")
You will first have to register your dog and handler team. This allows you to set up your account and track titles on each of your dogs or other species.
Where do I find events that I can enter?
Events are listed in several places:
On the website event calendar – This calendar is updated once per month
On the members/registration page of the website – This calendar updates in real time and is the most up to date listing of events
On the RFE events Facebook calendar page – also updated regularly as events become available
And in the RFE Newsletter that comes straight to your e mail box if you are a member!
Can I enter any event that is open?
There are two different kinds of events.
Hosted events are open to exhibitors living within 500 miles of the host.
Regional events, hosted by RFE, are open to anyone living in the states or countries included in a specific geographic area.
Here's a chart to help you figure out what region you're in
Hosted events can be either Live or Video, so be sure to check that before entering. Once you find an event, click the enter button, fill out the form and pay the fee! It's that easy!
Does every event include all Divisions and Levels?
All classes are offered at all events, but you cannot enter two Classes in the same Division. You can, however, enter more than one Division. For example, you could enter Regular Division and Provisional Division in the same event.
Do I have to come up with a new routine for every event I enter?
No, you can use the same freestyle routine for multiple legs, but you cannot enter the same video or performance of that routine for judging more than once. And you cannot enter a video that has previously been judged by another organization either. But you do not need to change locations or routines when you submit subsequent video performances.
Rally FrEe courses for each event are issued by RFE.
Can I use the same routine for different levels?
Yes, so much time and effort goes into creating a new routine that you can definitely use it more than once. But you cannot enter the same performance of that routine more than once.
It is common to use the same routine for each title, though not required. And, many exhibitors like to choreograph with difficulty that allows them to use the same routine in the first leg of the next level as well, if needed.
Can I use the same routine for different divisions?
Yes, you can use the same routine for different classes or divisions. As long as they meet the criteria for each division you are entering. For example, if you enter in the Challenge Division, but later find a larger space to video in, you could enter the same routine in the Regular Division, but you'd want to tweak it to cover the larger space. But your Challenge leg would only go towards Challenge titles and vice versa.
If my dog is really smart, can I skip to the next Class?
No, you must complete your title in the previous level before advancing to the next. Prerequisites are listed on the website in the description of Classes and Divisions.
I have a tripod. Can he compete in RFE?
Yes, we have a subdivision under each of the main Divisions called Challenge. This subdivision is open to any dog-and-handler team where either the handler or the dog overcomes challenges to participate. These challenges may be physical in respect to either dog or handler, or these challenges may be environmental in respect to not being able to meet the ring size requirement for video events. We have active members who compete with special needs dogs such as hearing impairments and encourage your participation!
VIDEO EVENTS
For Video events, can I enter a video that was recorded ahead of time?
Yes, you can enter a video recorded before the Opening Date of an event. Or, you can enter an event and then work to get a video to submit. It's your choice, but a video may only be entered once and cannot have already been judged by RFE or another Freestyle organization.
Courses for Rally-FrEe events are emailed by the host after registration to an event closes. They are available 7-10 days before the event.
How do I know if I am eligible for a video event?
All members are eligible for the annual World Wide video event. Each region of the US has two annual events and there are also international events open to members outside the US. Video competitions hosted by members are open to anyone who lives within a 500 mile radius. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email the event host listed on the calendar or info@rallyfree.com and we'll be happy to help.
MUSICAL FREESTYLE
Do I have to be a good dancer to do Freestyle?
Handler interpretation of the music will increase your score, but you do not need formal dance training to qualify in Freestyle events. Artistic interpretation can include upper body movement and the way you and your dog move through the performance area. Moving with the beat of the music makes a more effective performance, but scores are based on training, execution and teamwork as well as musicality.
The sport of Rally-FrEe does not require dancing and music is optional.
What kind of music can I use for Musical freestyle?
You may use any music, as long as it is appropriate for a diverse audience.
Do I need to wear a costume for freestyle?
The handler's attire should relate to the interpretation of the music, and part of your score is based on this. Costumes do not need to be elaborate. Though handlers should make an effort for their attire to relate to the music or genre. Dogs are not allowed to wear costumes, only decorative collars.
For freestyle, what are the requirements for the different levels?
This information is detailed on the website.
My cat is a really good dancer, can I enter Musical Freestyle with her?
That's so cool and we really want to see her dance, but at this time, Other Species are only eligible for Rally-FrEe Skills Tests.
Is there a place where you can see freestyle routines from different levels? i.e. beginner through to advanced
There are playlists of Musical Freestyle, In-Sync, Rally-Free, and Skills Test videos submitted by members on our YouTube channel.
They are all qualifying routines unless noted.
Members of the Rally-FrEe for All Facebook group can also join the Spotlight Facebook groups where other members share their qualifying freestyle routines and Rally-FrEe runs
Here you can view Musical Freestyle routines shared by exhibitors
Here you can view Rally-FrEe runs submitted by exhibitors
What's the difference between MF and In Sync?
Musical freestyle allows for any behaviors to be performed, as long as they are safe for the dog.
In Sync requires that the dog and handler team perform behaviors with no significant distance between each other. The performance should appear as if the dog and handler are virtually connected. Some behaviors are restricted in In Sync. For example, in addition to distance, the dog may not perform behaviors where they pass between the handler's leg with the exception of a single pass as a transition with the purpose of taking the dog to a new position or side of the handler.
RALLY-FREE
What is the difference between Rally-FrEe and AKC Rally or APDT Rally?
The Rally-FrEe signs are based on elements of Musical Freestyle. These include positioning the dog on all four sides of the handler, transitions, circles and turns. In RF, you receive courses 10 days before an event, allowing you to practice beforehand. Also, all RF courses include four free choice stations where you are allowed to choose the behavior your dog performs. This can be a RF behavior or a trick. And RF scores include additional points for Heelwork, Attention and Teamwork.
Will Rally-FrEe ruin my obedience dog?
There are differences between the two sports. Many dog and handler teams successfully compete in more than one sport. While there is some overlap in Obedience and Rally-FrEe behaviors, training, different cues and context cues such as differences in the two environments, will all help your dog to participate in both sports without the skills of either deteriorating. In fact, the precision and fluency RF requires often helps teams in their Obedience training.
Do the skills required in Rally-FrEe help in Obedience training?
Rally-FrEe will definitely help with your obedience training. The sport focuses on precision, teamwork between you and your dog and training behaviors proficiently, so as to have them on verbal cue. These are all skills that will help both you as a handler and your canine partner in Obedience.
Do I have to train really fancy tricks for the Free Choice stations?
Free choice points are awarded in 2 categories. Up to 5 points are available for difficulty, and 10 points are awarded for execution — just like the other Rally-FrEe stations. You should choose behaviors that your dog performs well for your Free Choice signs. If you attempt a difficult behavior, but it's not executed well, you won't score as high on that station as you would if you went with an easier behavior that was done very well.
SKILLS TESTS
How many points do I need to qualify for RFE and the Skills Tests?
All skills test require that you earn at least 125 out of 150 points.
How do I know which signs to submit?
In skills test, you can choose any signs in the class you are entered with the exception of sign #1, 2 and 3. And you must include sign #32, the bow.
In the intermediate/advanced skills test, at least 3 signs must be chosen from the advanced class signs.
Do I need to set the signs up in a course?
No, you can film each sign behavior individually. You can even video at different times, days and location and then edit them together into a single vid for submission.
Can I reward my dog during the skills test?
You can reward your dog after each sign behavior however there can be no food on you during the time the dog is executing the behavior. It's best to edit any rewards out of the video you submit.